Teacher Talk: 'Estelle Morris means well - I've got more time for her than Blunkett'

Brian Dickinson, 39, is the head of humanities and head of house at Thomas Bennett Community College in Crawley, Sussex. He is a member of the NASUWT

What did you make of Estelle Morris's comment that if she were a teacher there are some schools she "wouldn't touch with a barge pole"?

I think Estelle Morris means well – I've got more time for her than Blunkett. It's nice to have an education secretary who used to be a teacher. But as a politician, she should know that most people will hear just that sound bite out of context, and get a negative impression. I thought the Government was supposed to be trying to "talk up" education and schools; this won't encourage anyone to come into teaching. I suppose there are schools I wouldn't go to, not necessarily because of failing pupils, but because of how they treat their staff.

Do you think the introduction of US-style sixth-form graduation ceremonies is a good idea?

Yes. We do them at my school for the sixth-formers, and also for the year 11s, whom we also take on a boat trip in London. The sixth-formers have a ceremony at Crawley Council chambers with the local MP, and a party afterwards. I think it's good to mark the end of being a schoolchild.When I left school, I did my last exam and walked out and that was that. Not a very good feeling.

Could the introduction of ethnic quotas in schools be the answer to racial tension in certain parts of the country?

Something needs to be done to relieve tension in areas such as Bradford. If having quotas forces people initially to mix, then I think it's a good idea. But if you are part of that quota and feel like a token black it might be difficult. Also, it could reduce parental choice as to where they send their children. About 5 to 10 per cent of people in my town are non-white, and my school reflects that. I've not picked up on any racism in our school.

Do you think that pastoral care in schools is sufficiently resourced?

More time for pastoral care would make teachers more effective in dealing with students who have behavioural problems. This would mean reducing our teaching timetable, which would mean employing more teachers, which costs money.

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